Sutra Textile Studies

08/05/2026

18/11/2025

5th Edition – Natural Dye Workshop
17th–22nd November 2025 | Santiniketan
Under the guidance of Jagadda Rajappa

The workshop began with a warm welcome by founder Amrita Mukerji, followed by Jagadda Rajappa lighting the oil lamp and breaking a coconut—an auspicious start that sets the tone for the days ahead.

For Jagadda, natural dyeing is not just a technique; it is a deep act of devotion, a way of connecting with nature. With this spirit we entered into our first session, starting with the scouring of cotton yarn. As the day progressed, participants were introduced to different classifications of tannins and mordants, and the essential parameters needed to achieve the brightest natural dye shades.

The silk yarn dyed in turmeric turned into a brilliant, glowing yellow. Another beautiful shade emerged from pomegranate peel—a soft, earthy yellow that felt truly rooted in nature. Two different indigo vats were also initiated - as indigo takes time to reveal its magic, it will be towards the third or fourth day that we will see the indigo ferment and give colour.

Text :
Photography Siddharth Aupa Zalba Mahapatra

#2025

21/09/2025

TALK by John Gillow
THE SILK ROAD
11 am
VENUE : ILEAD KOLKATA
24th September *Wednesday*

To register : [email protected]


The Silk Route was the means whereby silk, that highly desirable and much valued commodity, made it’s way from China and Persia to Europe.
The lecture will look at the history of the trade, centres of production with numerous examples of silk textiles produced along the route.

John Gillow, author, lecturer, traveller and collector has spent more than forty years collecting the folk textiles of Asia and Africa.
Every year he collects and researches for several months of the year in many parts of the globe. He lectures to university and museum audiences in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.

John is author of ‘Indian Textiles’, ‘Traditional Indonesian Textiles’, ‘Arts and Crafts of India’, ‘World Textiles’, ‘African Textiles’ and ‘Printed and Painted Textiles of Africa’ published by Thames and Hudson and the British Museum. ‘Textiles of the Islamic World’ is his latest book.

TO REGISTER
[email protected]

19/09/2025

‘The Silk Route’
A talk by John Gillow
To register : [email protected]

The Silk Route was the means whereby silk, that highly desirable and much valued commodity, made it’s way from China and Persia to Europe.
The lecture will look at the history of the trade, centres of production with numerous examples of silk textiles produced along the route.

John Gillow, author, lecturer, traveller and collector has spent more than forty years collecting the folk textiles of Asia and Africa.
Every year he collects and researches for several months of the year in many parts of the globe. He lectures to university and museum audiences in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.

John is author of ‘Indian Textiles’, ‘Traditional Indonesian Textiles’, ‘Arts and Crafts of India’, ‘World Textiles’, ‘African Textiles’ and ‘Printed and Painted Textiles of Africa’ published by Thames and Hudson and the British Museum. ‘Textiles of the Islamic World’ is his latest book.

TO REGISTER
[email protected]

09/09/2025

Greetings from SUTRA!

A few seats are still available for our upcoming Natural Dye Workshop, scheduled from 17th - 22nd November 2025 in Santiniketan.

If you know anyone who might be interested in exploring this unique and enriching experience, please do let us know.

Looking forward to your support in spreading the word!

21/08/2025

Taal Connect presents Chaap Tilak Bazaar
Dates : 22-22 August 2025
venue : The Villa, Mandeville

#2025

04/07/2025

A few seats are still available for our upcoming intensive ‘Natural Dye Workshop’ mentored by Jagadda Rajappa, natural dye expert - to be held at Taranga, Santiniketan from 9th to 14th February 2026

Book now !
Email [email protected] to book a spot. *limited seats available.

#2026

29/01/2025

Mahua @ Sutra Bazaar | Handcrafted in Bengal 2025

Mahua grows, spins and weaves their own cotton, making a sustainable & organic natural dye clothing range.

Visit Mahua @ ‘Sutra Bazaar | Handcrafted in Bengal 2025’ and find handspun handwoven clothing made using natural dye colours. Find men and women’s shirts, dresses & loose fitting jackets. Mahua’s natural dye range includes amlaki, haritaki, madder, lotus, babul bark, shaal, onion & indigo.

For more info on Mahua, kindly reach out to : [email protected]

Come, join us for…

Sutra Bazaar | Handcrafted in Bengal 2025
Venue : Kolkata Centre for Creativity
Date : 30 Jan - 1st Feb, 2025
2nd floor (near KCC cafe)
Timings : 11 am - 7 pm

Our event is happening concurrent to ‘Textiles From Bengal: A shared legacy’ by Weavers Studio Resource Centre.

28/01/2025

Silver filigree is a centuries-old art form renowned for its intricate beauty and craftsmanship. Originating in regions like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, this delicate work involves twisting fine silver wires into elaborate designs resembling lace. The craftsmanship showcases motifs inspired by nature, tradition, and mythology, making each piece a timeless masterpiece. From jewelry to decor, silver filigree exudes elegance and sophistication, reflecting the artisan’s precision and the rich cultural heritage of India.

Visit Crafts Council of West Bengal @ ‘Sutra Bazaar | Handcrafted in Bengal 2025’ and collect a beautiful handcrafted silver filigree jewellery for yourself.

Contact : [email protected]

Come, join us for…

Sutra Bazaar | Handcrafted in Bengal 2025
Venue : Kolkata Centre for Creativity
Date : 30 Jan - 1st Feb, 2025
2nd floor (near KCC cafe)
Timings : 11 am - 7 pm

28/01/2025

Silk Balaposh, a timeless masterpiece of luxury, epitomizes the grace and elegance once cherished by the aristocracy. Crafted exclusively in the Murshidabad region, this shawl is created using a closely guarded technique, passed down through generations. The artisan, skilled in this nearly lost art, delicately layers soft, scented cotton—infused with precious attar—between two sumptuous silk layers. Remarkably, no quilting stitches are used, giving the Balaposh an ethereal quality of seamless sophistication.
Today, only one craftsman holds the secret to this exquisite tradition. With utmost dedication, he crafts no more than one or two pieces each month, making each Silk Balaposh an extraordinary treasure of unmatched rarity and refinement. (Picture enclosed, flagged at C)

Visit Crafts Council of West Bengal @ ‘Sutra Bazaar | Handcrafted in Bengal 2025’ and collect a rare and cherished silk balaposh!

Contact : [email protected]

Come, join us for…

Sutra Bazaar | Handcrafted in Bengal 2025
Venue : Kolkata Centre for Creativity
Date : 30 Jan - 1st Feb, 2025
2nd floor (near KCC cafe)
Timings : 11 am - 7 pm

#2025

28/01/2025

Located in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, Natungram is a village celebrated for its remarkable tradition of wooden idol carving. This centuries-old craft reflects the artisans’ exceptional skill and dedication, with their creations embodying the cultural and spiritual essence of the region.The artisans of Natungram specialize in hand-carved wooden idols of deities, each piece radiating a sense of devotion and artistic finesse. Commonly crafted figures include Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Ganesha, along with depictions of other mythological characters. These idols, characterized by their bold forms and vivid natural colors, are a blend of artistic simplicity and profound symbolism.Using locally sourced wood and traditional hand tools, the craftsmen shape each idol with care, often incorporating intricate patterns and details that highlight their mastery. Natural dyes derived from the environment are used to bring the idols to life, ensuring sustainability and a connection to nature. Natungram has become a beacon for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts, attracting visitors eager to witness the creation of these wooden marvels. Through their work, the artisans of Natungram continue to uphold and celebrate the rich heritage of Bengal’s folk art, making their craft an enduring symbol of devotion and artistry.

Visit Crafts Council of West Bengal @ ‘Sutra Bazaar | Handcrafted in Bengal 2025’ and collect a wooden idols carved in Natungram for decorating your home!

Contact : [email protected]

Come, join us for…

Sutra Bazaar | Handcrafted in Bengal 2025
Venue : Kolkata Centre for Creativity
Date : 30 Jan - 1st Feb, 2025
2nd floor (near KCC cafe)
Timings : 11 am - 7 pm

#2025